The bridge operator fell ill, preventing him from continuing his duties, which included raising the lift spans during the FederalSakura's approach. Since the red signal lights were lit, Agence mtropolitaine de transport (AMT) train89, AMT train90, and the bulk carrier FederalSakura did stop, but the bulk carrier brushed against the south pier of the Honor-Mercier Bridge.Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors The bridge operator fell ill, preventing him from continuing his duties, which included raising the lift spans during the FederalSakura's approach. Since the red signal lights were lit, Agence mtropolitaine de transport (AMT) train89, AMT train90, and the bulk carrier FederalSakura did stop, but the bulk carrier brushed against the south pier of the Honor-Mercier Bridge. Although medical monitoring was done in accordance with Railway Medical Rules for Positions Critical to Safe Railway Operations, the employee suffered a severe episode of hypoglycaemia, which affected his cognitive functions. Even though the vessel followed the procedures in place and stopped within the prescribed limits of approach, it could not remain in the centre of the channel and, as such, struck the bridge pier.Findings as to Risk Although medical monitoring was done in accordance with Railway Medical Rules for Positions Critical to Safe Railway Operations, the employee suffered a severe episode of hypoglycaemia, which affected his cognitive functions. Even though the vessel followed the procedures in place and stopped within the prescribed limits of approach, it could not remain in the centre of the channel and, as such, struck the bridge pier. Even though a security guard was on duty in proximity to the bridge operator, security guards are not trained to perform the duties of bridge operators.Other Finding Even though a security guard was on duty in proximity to the bridge operator, security guards are not trained to perform the duties of bridge operators. On 02 March 2006, the TSB issued Marine Safety Information (MSI) letter02/06, Single Point Failure in the Traffic System Affecting Rail Transportation on the Railways of the Adirondack Subdivision and Marine Transportation in the South Shore Canal of the St.Lawrence Seaway, to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Transport Canada (TC). The MSI apprised of the importance of the bridge operator's performance in preserving safety. CPR participated in a TC audit and observation of rail safety protection provided at CPR bridges7A and7B. TCand CPRassessed the existing measures and indicated that existing control systems, procedures, rules, and regulations in effect at the location constitute an appropriate level of safety for rail and marine traffic regulation. Effective October2006, Saint-Louis Bridge (Bridge9), in the Montral/Lake Ontario section, is remotely operated.Safety Action Taken On 02 March 2006, the TSB issued Marine Safety Information (MSI) letter02/06, Single Point Failure in the Traffic System Affecting Rail Transportation on the Railways of the Adirondack Subdivision and Marine Transportation in the South Shore Canal of the St.Lawrence Seaway, to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Transport Canada (TC). The MSI apprised of the importance of the bridge operator's performance in preserving safety. CPR participated in a TC audit and observation of rail safety protection provided at CPR bridges7A and7B. TCand CPRassessed the existing measures and indicated that existing control systems, procedures, rules, and regulations in effect at the location constitute an appropriate level of safety for rail and marine traffic regulation. Effective October2006, Saint-Louis Bridge (Bridge9), in the Montral/Lake Ontario section, is remotely operated.